CLASSICAL ACADEMIES INTRODUCE ONLINE LEARNING

Group of charter schools is leasing space near theater to house program

The Escondido-based Classical Academies group of charter schools is expanding with an online learning program for students from seventh grade through high school.

“We’re trying to come up with a format that’s going to supplement or complement what we’re already offering for kindergarten through 12th grade,” Executive Director Cameron Curry said. “We’re seeing a shift where students are seeking a lot more independence.”

To house “Classical Academy Online,” Classical Academy High School has leased the 6,470-square-foot second floor of a bank building on West Valley Parkway, adjacent to the Regal Cinemas movie theater.

Curry said that workers are painting and moving furniture into the space now.

The online program opened with a soft launch in January, Curry said. About 40 students are enrolled. Curry said he hopes to have 100 students in the program for the official opening in August.

That doesn’t mean the online program will be 100 students sitting in a bank building working on computers, Curry said. The West Valley Parkway location will be the base for the online learning program, where students can meet with a teacher or do the work on their personal laptop or tablet, or use a school computer.

The Classical Academies, a blend of home-schooling and in-class instruction, comprises The Classical Academy, a K-8 school on Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido; Classical Academy High School on Woodward Street near Grape Day Park; Coastal Academy, a K-8 in Oceanside; and the new online program.

Classical Academy High School has its sights set on moving into the former North County Times building at Kalmia Street and Valley Parkway in Escondido.

Curry said the location would be convenient for students in the online program to participate in on-campus activities. The buildings are near each other.

The Escondido Union High School District provides a similar online program with its Learning Centers on all three of its comprehensive campuses.

Classical will use curricula from online education company Edgenuity for its program. Curry said the courses from Edgenuity, formerly Education 2020, meet Cal State and UC requirements.